They do say that it is good to try new experiences throughout one's life. I am I no rush to go bungee jumping, cold water swimming, or spelunking just yet. But yesterday I did my first dog-sitting. My friend had to go to an appointment and would be out from 8.45 till 2.30. Her elderly dog has been poorly, and she was reluctant to leave her for so long. "Would it help if I came round?" I said. I cycled straight round after breakfast, and was given my instructions. "she will make it clear if she needs to go outside for a wee"
99‰ of the day was delightful. I had a knitting project to work on, and R. had left fresh scones for me to enjoy. I switched on the radio and settled down to knit. Pippi curled up on her cushion in front of the woodburner, and dozed.
Fine! I said.
I stopped to eat my lunchtime snack, and checked out the workshop feedback on the craft café Facebook page. [OK]
Pippi dozed.
I was very involved in a radio programme and counting my stitches when she suddenly got up and walked unsteadily to the door. I dropped my wool and went ahead of her to open the door out into the garden. She trotted to the far end, where I couldn't see her, behind the apple tree. Well, I'm a relative stranger after all, and a girl likes a bit of privacy in the loo...
Back she came, pausing on the way to eat some grass.
Through the door, across the tiled kitchen and laminate floored hall. Into the lounge, across the rug, and back into her cushion. Then she stood up again, walked over the rug to the beige carpet, where she produced a lot of green, grassy vomit. Then she went back to her fireside cushion and dozed again.
I'd just finished cleaning up when her mistress returned.
Poor little Pippi. "She's peelie wally" said her owner. I was baffled - but learned this is a Scottish term meaning "off colour". Well if I have a bad reaction to my covid jab this morning, I shall just have to tell people I'm feeling peelie wally too.
I did my first dog sit earlier this year and it's now quite frequent. "My" dogs are OK on their own for quite long periods but they like to keep an eye on me at night.
ReplyDeleteIn this weather, dog-sitting is preferable to dog-walking!
DeleteOh no!!!! And on the carpet too! They always seem to choose to do it on harder-to-clean surfaces! Poor Pippi! Kx
ReplyDeleteHer owner just popped round, and reported Pippi happier today and ate a good breakfast
DeleteOh, poor Pippi and poor you, too, having to clean up after her! Hope you don't feel peelie wally, or anything else other than just fine, after your Covid booster!
ReplyDeleteArm a bit achey, otherwise ok thus far
DeleteEugh-what an experience although as a teacher it will have happened to you many times I am sure. We have our Covid boosters next Saturday evening at 18.38 hours! Hope you aren’t peely wally after it. Catriona
ReplyDeleteSaturday evening is a good time, you can relax in front of TV afterwards. Hope you have no ill effects
DeleteOh dear! Poor dog, ad poor Ang!
ReplyDeleteSteph says looking after a dog is a bit like looking after a baby!
DeleteOur cats will eat grass if their tummies are a bit "off" so they vomit. It's strange how they insist on vomiting on the carpet rather than the tiles!! Love FD xx
ReplyDeleteI understand that this grass eating is a common habit
DeleteI always think it would be nice to have a dog, but then I'm reminded of things like this experience. I'll enjoy them from afar! Sorry you are not feeling well.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying from afar is a good way of doing it!
DeleteAwwww, poor Pippi! It was so nice of you to dog-sit!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
🐕😊👍
DeleteI think dogs eat grass when they're feeling a bit off kilter to make themselves vomit. Got my flu jab yesterday and so far, nothing more than a sore lump on my arm. I put the COVID booster off for a couple of weeks because yesterday's nurse told me it's a new vaccine to cope with the new variant of the virus. I also have to have a pneumonia jab at some point!I can see you and Bob doing a stint at house/pet sitting!
ReplyDeleteMy arm feels like a pincushion!
DeleteFine story.
ReplyDeleteYes, you said it, it's always great to learn something new.
I'm very close to the forest and there are a lot of dog owners in my area... and I like to chat so I learn a lot about dogs. So, for example, if the dog eats grass, he doesn't feel great...
Maybe there is another dog sitting option for you.
Many greetings to you... Thanks for the story.
Viola
How lovely to love near the forest! 😊
DeleteOh poor Pippi! And poor Angela! But you are a very kind and generous person to give up your day to an aging pup. I am sure you were much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSadly Pippi is not well again today (Saturday)
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